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Cannot select existing directory in file picker #698
Description
Checklist
- I can reproduce the bug with the latest versions.
- I made sure that there are no existing issues - open or closed - to which I could contribute my information.
- I made sure that there are no existing discussions - open or closed - to which I could contribute my information.
- I have read the FAQs inside the app (Menu -> About -> FAQs), in the README and my problem isn't listed.
- I have taken the time to fill in all the required details. I understand that the bug report may get dismissed otherwise.
- This issue contains only one bug.
Affected Android/Custom ROM version
GrapheneOS 14
Affected device model
Pixel 6A
How did you install the apps?
F-Droid / IzzyOnDroid
Which apps are affected?
Calendar, Camera, Contacts, File Manager, Gallery, Music Player, Notes, Voice Recorder
Steps to reproduce the bug
- Open app
- Perform any operation that requires you to select a directory (e.g., setup automatic backups)
- Notice that you can not select an existing directory
Expected behavior
Able to see, enter, or otherwise select directories within Internal (e.g., Internal > Sync > Recordings).
Actual behavior
Cannot select existing directories.
Screenshots/Screen recordings
No response
Additional information
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This seems to mostly affect GrapheneOS users.
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The in-app file picker is failing to list some directories, probably due to permission issues. Removing it and using the system picker directly (i.e., Improve file/folder selection UX #131) should solve this and simplify UX, but it's worth tracking this bug separately to avoid confusion and duplicated requests.
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This bug report is different from File picker forces permission for parent folder when selecting nested folder #211, but it has the same root cause (use of an in-app file picker). That problem can be solved independently or together with this one by removing the in-app file picker.
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Original reports:
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Related issues:
Activity
Zorgosto commentedon Nov 18, 2025
I also have this issue with the fossify apps with my Pixel 8 Pro and GrapheneOS. I really like the design and features these apps provide and one thing stopping to fully switch is being able to choose a different folder than the standard one mostly for the backup feature.
hdatma commentedon Nov 25, 2025
Fossify Camera works well with GrapheneOS, so the answer for Voice Recorder is to copy and paste from Camera's source code, pointing the default folder to
Main storage/Recordings
naveensingh commentedon Dec 5, 2025
Have you tried to change the default folder? Both apps use the same file picker, but Fossify Voice Recorder requires you to select the default folder on first launch.
hdatma commentedon Dec 6, 2025
Of course I did, and it fails:
FossifyOrg/Voice-Recorder#60 (comment)
naveensingh commentedon Dec 13, 2025
My question was about Fossify Camera. Does changing the default folder in Fossify Camera work as expected?
NicholasFlamy commentedon Dec 17, 2025
There is a workaround. If you grant access using SAF to a folder and then delete that folder and recreate it using the UI in the Voice Recorder app it should set the location.
cyclign commentedon Dec 30, 2025
Hi
Another Graphene user here (Pixel 9a GrapheneOS build 2025122501), looking at Fossify Contacts.
If you go into Settings > "Export contacts to a .vcf file" you get the full file picker experience and can navigate round the file system, select an existing folder or create a new folder.
On the other hand when you go into Settings > "Manage automatic backups" you don't get the same file picker and things don't work. Although you can create a new folder eg Internal/Folder1, if you return and navigate up the tree (ie press "Internal") you then only get to see the Android branch you even lose sight of the folder you've just created. Although you can cancel and go back in.
tobse91 commentedon Mar 5, 2026
Got the same problem as @cyclign, can't do automated backups to the folder I would like to. Normal backups work fine. This problem is also present in the voice recorder app (and maybe other fossify apps, too).
Contacts app version 1.10.3 and GrapheneOS Version 2026030200.
Opening-Button-8988 commentedon Sep 27, 2026
My comment in #211